chapter fifty-five;

 Shit, I'm sorry I haven't updated this in forever, I hope this subsides for now :)

You and I walk a fragile line, I have known it all this time, but I never thought I'd live to see it break. It's getting dark, and it's all too quiet, and I can't trust anything now, and it's coming over you, like it's all a big mistake. I'm holding my breath, I won't lose you again. Something's made your eyes go cold. Come on, don't leave me like this, thought I had you figured out, something's gone terribly wrong, you're all I wanted. Can't turn back now I'm haunted. I just know, you're not gone ... you can't be gone

About a couple weeks had flown by and I was working for the team. I had to admit, it wasn't easy seeing Brent almost everyday. It was hard. I felt haunted everytime our eyes would accidentally lock. But I had a job to do. I had to get over it. He was over it. It's done. Next chapter.

My friend Stephanie ended up getting into Columbia for college and we were lucky enough to get ourselves a condo downtown Chicago. It wasn't far from the Arena, or her school, and it wasn't far from Jonny either.

Ah, Jonny. About him.

Jon and I were taking things really slow this time. He knew I was hurt, and I didn't want him thinking I was jumping to him cause Brent left me again. He gave me space. I really needed time alone for once. Give myself some time to breathe properly. Focus on work and get myself back to normal.

Me? Normal? Like that will ever happen.

It was now the middle of March and the hawks we're on a roadtrip. We were heading to Anaheim, LA and Phoenix. This would be my first big challenge as a medic. I wasn't supposed to go on this trip, but one of the other medic's fell sick, so I was next in line.

During the game against Anaheim, there was a nasty play. Something I'd never wish on anyone. James Wiznewski committed about 5 different penalties on a hawk player. Charging, roughing, boarding, interference, unsportsmanlike conduct. I couldn't see who it was just yet. But when I heard someone yell to the bench, I felt like I was gunna be sick.

It was Brent.

I saw him lying lifelessly on the ice. My stomach fell deeper and I just wanted to pass out. I blinked back my tears as I watched the other medics go over and help him. They wouldn't let me go out there. I had to get held back by Sharp as I tried to get on the ice.

"Why, can't I go out there? WHY AREN'T YOU LETTING ME OUT THERE?"

"Ally, stop. They're the professionals."

"And what? I'm not?"

"Just calm down. He'll be okay."

"But what if he isn't?" I whispered.

"He will. They'll bring him back over to the bench, okay?"

I just nodded and went down the runway into the dressing room to get myself back together. The tears wouldn't stop falling. What if he had a concussion? Was he gunna be okay? Why was I so worried?

I wiped my face and walked back out onto the bench. He was sitting at the end getting looked at. I breathed a sigh of relief as I slowly walked over towards him.

"Hey." I lightly said touching his shoulder with the full knowledge that he didn't feel it under his pads. He turned around slowly and his eyes looked glossy.

"Hey," It was a short response, his guard was up, and I knew why.

"How are you feeling? Do you need anything?"

"I could use some aspirin or something."

I opened up my pouch and fished out two tablets and passed them to him. My fingers gently grazed the palm of his hand, and I felt sparks. I tried my best to ignore it and focus on the game.

"I think you should stay out for the rest of the game."

"I'm fine."

"Are you kidding me? You aren't fine."

"Stop pushing me around."

"Oh, that's nice. I don't want you fainting and falling again."

"Why do you care? You have Jon."

"No I don't. I'm single, I'll have you know. Plus it's my job to make sure everyone is healthy to play."

"Whatever."

"You're gunna have to get used to seeing me around here."

"Doesn't mean I have to like it."

"Why are you being like this?!" I snapped.

"Cause you ran into the arms of your trophy boy the second you saw me with that girl."

"Oh, so now I'm in the wrong?"

"Would you shut up? I'm partly concussed here!"

"Says the boy that wants to go out there and play again."

"By the fucking way, that girl was a friend from highschool. I never told her about you cause it never came up. I didn't know she liked me like that until you came over and acted like you were some fucking musical."

"Am I supposed to believe you?"

"I don't know. Should you?"

This fight wasn't going anywhere. I cursed to the rafters. Is this how it was gunna be everytime we saw each other. Cause if it was. I want out. I want to go to another city. I can't live like this.

chapter fifty-four ;

Remember when, you were my boat, and I was your sea? But that was back when we could talk about anything. Cause I don't know, who I am when you're running circles in my head. I say your name, and in the same breath. I say something, that I'll grow to regret. So it's true what they say, if you love someone you should set them free. Cause I don't know who I am, when you're sleeping with her, and if it's true what they say, you went and threw it away. 

After the national anthem's were sung, we all sat down. My heart was in my stomach as the boys skated up and down like crazy. The game was even sided, both teams getting huge chances. Luongo and Miller stood tall.  Jonny was on a line with Mike Richards and Rick Nash. They've had great chemistry with each other. About 10 minutes into the game, Mike Richards was strong on the forecheck and created a juicy rebound, and Jonny picked it up and it beat Miller short side. The entire arena exploded as the horn went off and we all stood up and screamed. He promised he'd score a goal for me, and he did.

As he skated past the section of seats I was in, he tapped his stick on the glass and looked me right in the eyes. He mouthed "that was for you." before he went back to the bench. He made my heart skip about 100 beats in that split second.

My eyes stung with tears as I watched the American's celebrate their goal. Canada was up 2-1, and with 25 seconds left in the 3rd period, Zach Parise scored the goal to tie it all up. Throwing the game into overtime. For something that was so close that I could taste it, suddenly felt so far away.

I slid my phone out of my pocket and quickly texted Jonny. I doubt he would check his phone at time like his, but it would be worth a shot.

"It was so close, but you know what? It's gunna be closer as soon as you step out onto the ice in 20 minutes. I believe you guys can do this. Good luck Jonny."

"I have faith we can do it, just keep believe in us out there. The American's don't want to go away easily, we'll show them who's game they're playing."

They did it.

They won gold.

I watched all them huddle in one corner as they celebrated. Sidney scored the winner for us. How fitted was that? The best Canadian hockey player in the league who had huge expectations weighing on his shoulders, scored the winner. They all hugged each other and some stood in awe. I watched from my seat as tears were filling my eyes. I looked all around the arena, I wasn't the only one with tear filled eyes. This was something special. Something I'll never forget.

The boys got their medals one by one. I screamed at the top of my lungs when Duncan got his medal. "That's my brother!" I yelled as some people high-fived me. Then it came to Johnny getting his. I cheered really loud as the medal sat perfectly against his body.

After O'Canada was sung, fireworks began to fly inside of the arena. I watched them burst into millions of little stars. It was beautiful. In the middle of them going off, I looked down at the boys, only to see Brent looking at me. I threw him a nasty glare as I walked away from my seat and towards the gate to wait for Jonny.

I waited outside the arena with Andree and David for Jonny. We were still wondering it was a dream. We won gold. The streets of Vancouver were crazy right now.

"ALLY!"

I turned around and saw Jonny. He was in black dress pants, a blue dress shirt, a black Team Canada jacket while his bright gold medal hung over his neck. He dropped his bag and sticks as I ran towards him. I was about a foot from him when I sprung myself into his arms. He pulled me close as I wrapped my legs around his waist. My entire body wouldn't stop shaking.

"I'm so proud of you, you know that?"

"No, I was hoping you'd be disappointed," he sarcastically replied.

I chuckled and gently kissed him as I unwrapped my legs from him and landed back on the pavement. He longingly looked into my eyes as I tried to find the words to say. He slid his hand onto the side of my neck and brushed my jawline with his thumb as we kept our eyes locked. Honestly, I don't think words were enough for once. Jonny didn't seem to mind either.

02.28.10 ♥

chapter fifty-three;

I guess you really did it this time, left yourself in your warpath. Lost your balance on a tightrope. Lost your mind tryin' to get it back. Wasn't it beautiful when you believed in everything? And everybody believed in you? It's all right, just wait and see, your string of lights is still bright to me, Who you are is not where you've been ... you're still an innocent

I woke up the morning of the big game for the boys. I felt hurt still, like I needed motivation to simply get out of bed. I came out of the bathroom after I showered, did my hair in loose waves, and slid mascara onto my tired eyes. I could still see my wedding dress sitting over the chair in my room. My heart would always drop when I looked at it. It was like kicking a dead horse, it's just no use.

I put on jeans and a black team Canada Hoodie, stuffed my feet into my gray uggs before I walked down into the kitchen. I poured myself a coffee and grabbed one of the muffins my mom made off the counter before I headed outside onto the deck. It wasn't cold outside. It was really sunny and it felt like fall, not the end of February.

I heard the porch door creak open and my mom came outside. I don't think she realized I was awake. I didn't look over at her as she sat down, I kept my eyes fixated on my phone.

"Your father told me what happened last night."

"Did he?"

"Yeah. He said you weren't in the greatest shape."

"Yeah well, it's what you wanted. I'm not marrying him."

"Stop trying to make me look the bad one here. I was only trying to protect you."

"Whatever. It's done. It's over now." I spat at her before I grabbed my phone and keys and headed towards my car.

I find my ticket as I waited to get into hockey canada place. I was so nervous. I can't imagine how Jonny felt right now. I finally walk into the arena and I'm just mesmerized by what I see. It was like a huge sea of red. The odd USA jersey here and there, but mostly Canadians. My heart begins to race as I see the boys step out onto the ice for warm up. My seat is 5 rows up from the ice. The boys are skating around, shooting pucks towards Luongo, and setting up passes for other players. I see Crosby, Niedermayer, Getzlaf, Perry, Iginla, Richards, Staal, Duncan, and Brent - feeling my breath jump into my throat when I saw him. Still no sign of Jonny.

"Ally?!"

I look around for the face to match the thick French Accent, and I see it's Jonnys mom, Andree. I warmly smile at her as I walk closer. Also saying hello to Jonny's brother, David.

"How are you?"

"I've been better. But I'm here for Jonny and my brother."

"I'm sorry. Jonathan told us what Brent did. He seemed like such a sweet boy."

"I know. He makes himself seem like he's innocent."

"ALLY!"

I hear Jon's voice. I knew it was his right away. He's standing on the ice, but he was leaning on the bench. I run over, and climb over the bars. Jonny yells at the security guard that I was with him so I could step onto the runway and over to the bench. I'm now at ice level with Team Canada, this was amazing. I see looks from people. I don't care. Jonny slides his glove off and intertwines our fingers together as our eyes meet.

"I didn't think you'd actually show up."

"Are you crazy? I came here for you and Duncan. No one else."

"Ally!"

I see Duncan skate up behind Jonny. I gave him a good luck hug before he skated off again. I'm smiling like an idiot at this point. In the middle of my smile, I see Brent stare at me. I ignore it as I look back over at Jonny.

"Ally, I'm glad you're here. Can you do me a favour?"

"What's that?" I smile.

"Cheer for me so loud that I can hear you."

"Fine. Under a few conditions."

He smirks this time, "What?"

"Score a goal for me, play like it's the last game of your life, and kick some major American ass please, I am tired of hearing Kaner gloat about how we supposedly 'can stop his hustle'" I say with finger quotes.

He gently laughs as his cute smile appears, "I can totally do that for you. Anything else?"

"Kiss me."

He wrapped his hand around my neck and gently pressed his lips to mine. I feel a tingle in my body as his lips move with mine. I still needed him. A part of me always loved him.

I pull away cause I'm desperate for air. As I breathe deeply, Jonny tucks a lock of my hair behind my ear as he brushes my cheek.

"ARE YOU FUCKING SERIOUS?"

It happened so fast. I see Brent skate over to the bench and shove Jonny to the ground. At this point, I'm screaming at Brent to get off Jonny as they wrestle on the ice, and I yell for Getzlaf to come pull Brent off Jonny.

"Dude, what the fuck?"

"You fucking prick, you just waited for me to fuck up so you can get Ally again."

"Gee,  maybe if you didn't fuck up again, this wouldn't of happened."

"STOP IT BOTH OF YOU!" I yell. "You fucking hurt me Brent. I'm completely done with you now. It's over. Leave Jonny alone. Just get the hell out of my life for good."

"But ..."

"JUST LEAVE ME ALONE!"

"What the hell's going on here?" Coach Bobcock said.

"People being immature." I replied.

"Seabrook, you're lucky if I play you in this game. You're already only getting 5 minutes of ice time, I'd hate to cut that in half."

"Fine. It won't happen again."

"Good. Now everyone back into the dressing room and stop acting like a bunch of immature fucks. Remember why we're here. We got a nation to play for. If that's not important, then get the hell off my ice. Do I make myself clear?" Coach yells before he heads into the dressing room.

I watched everyone walk back into the dressing room. I kept my eyes on my feet the whole time. As everyone left, I looked up at Jonny again.

"I'm sorry."

"Stop being sorry. It's not your fault. I'll take every punch he gives me if it's for you."

"Really?" I stuttered.

"Of course. I should go back."

"I know. Good luck Jonny."

"Thanks again for coming back."

"JUST GO!" I laughed pushing him towards the room.

I headed back to my seat with only one thing on my mind.

Gold.

It will be ours tonight. Nothing was in our way. Nothing

chapter fifty-two;

When lies become the truth, that’s when I run to you
This world keeps spinning faster into a new disaster
so I run to you, I run to you baby
and when it all starts coming undone
Baby you’re the only one I run to, I run to you

I couldn't even drive myself home. My body felt so weak and my stomach was killing me. I still couldn't cry. I was enraged. I didn't know what to do. My fiancee, was having dinner with another girl. It didn't just look like some dinner between friends thing, the way he looked at her, and the way she smiled back. It meant more. I could tell.

Like I said. I'm done with him this time. So done.

I finally got the strength to get into the car and I drove Sidney back over to the athletes village. I slid the key out of the ignition and stared out the window. I felt like someone abused me, but kept me alive for their own amusement. Sidney didn't budge from his seat even though I really wanted him to leave so I could just go home and sleep.

"Ally. Are you gunna be okay?"

"I don't know anymore. It seems like he made up my mind for me. One less thing to worry about."

"Alright. Well, you should talk to someone you can confide in. You shouldn't be alone right now."

"There's only one person I want to see." I sighed, "and that's Jonny."

"Well come inside. I'm rooming with him anyways."

In the back of my mind, all I could hear was Brent's words - go back to jonny, you slut.

"Okay, lets go."

I got out of the car and locked it. I could feel my heart pouding as we walked inside. I felt everyones eyes on me. We were getting closer to Sidney's room. He slid out a cardkey from his pocket and unlocked the door. I felt like I was going to pass out.

"Jon, someones here to see you."

"It's like midnight, who the hell --"

He came around the corner and saw me. That's all it took for me. One look into his eyes and my emotions flooded me. My eyes were filling up with tears and Jon bolted right towards me and pulled me close. It got to the point that I was hysterically crying into his chest. He gently placed his hand on the side of my face and kissed the top of my head.  My entire head was spinning and I felt like I could've fainted. I finally pulled away from him and he wiped my tears away with his thumb. My chest rose rapidly as Jonny gently cupped both sides of my face as his midnight like eyes looked into mine.

"Ally, what happened?"

"Brent. I caught him having dinner with another girl."

"That son of a bitch." Jon snapped as he dropped his hands from my face. "What is wrong with him?"

"I wish I knew. I really did." I sniffed.

"You don't deserve that, Ally. Ugh, if we weren't competeing for gold tomorrow, I'd rip his fucking throat out right now."

"There's no point getting mad over it. It's not worth it anymore."

"See, that's your problem, Ally. You let go of everything he does way too easily. It's not right how you let him walk over you like you have. First it was him getting pissed over a mistake you made years ago, to dating a girl then leaving her for you again. Did he really think he'd win you over by getting you an engagment ring? Did he have it that easy?"

"How long have you been keeping that in?" I muttuered.

"Way too fucking long."

I snorted and crossed my arms out of anger, "Jon, I didn't come here to bicker with you."

"I know. Dammit, I know that. I'm sorry. Are you still coming to the game tomorrow?"

"I don't know ..."

"I want my best friend there, please."

"I'll think about it."

Jonny stepped closer to me and gently rubbed my shoulder, "Don't beat yourself up over it. If you show up it just proves that you're stronger than hiding from him. Don't forget that your brothers on the team too."

"I know. Fuck. I'll go, okay."

He smiled gently at me and I felt butterflies in my stomach again. Stop doing that please.

"Jon, can I ask you something?"

"Sure."

"Why do you bother putting up with me?"

He raised his eyebrow and stared bewilderingly at me, "I'm not sure I know what you mean."

I drew in a sharp breath and furrowed my eyebrows, "I knew that you still loved me, and, I thought you were gunna hate me forever after I married Brent. But, since that's not happening now, I was suprised you didn't push me away when I came back to you."

"I'd never push you away. You mean too much to me. You'll always have a special place in my heart. I'm always here for you."

"Good, cause, after everything that's happened, I just wanted to run to you." I confessed as more tears filled my eyes.

"You always can run to me. But what's gunna happen now? Are you coming back to Chicago?"

"I have to. I have a job with the team."

"Well, my doors always open for you. You know that."

"Thank you Jon."

There was that smile again. He enveloped me into a hug again. I took in his scent as I closed my eyes. Maybe with Jon here, I could resurface from this all.

chapter fifty-one;

I always knew this day would come, we'd be standing one by one, with our future in our hands, so many dreams so many plans. I never thought that I'd walk away. It's so hard to say goodbye. I'll always remember you

I slammed the front door shut and went into my car again. I drove and drove till I found the ocean. I sunk lower into the seat and started sobbing into my hoodie sleeve. I was thrown a crossroad, and I didn't know which road to take. Keep my mothers loyalty and lose the man I love, or marry him and lose my mother forever.

After I sulked for another hour, I turned the car around and went back downtown. The city was painted with the lights and sounds of the olympics. I'd miss how Vancouver looked after the Olympics are over. It was so beautiful.

I picked up a hot chocolate from Starbucks in Granville before I went for a walk along the peir. The winter wind crept up behind my neck and made me shiver. As I reached the end of the pier I saw someone else leaning against it. The closer I got, the closer I noticed it was Sidney.

"Sid?"

He turned around and slightly smiled at me. I headed towards the edge of the peir and leaned on it too.

"What brings you out here?" I asked.

"I can't sleep. I'm beyond nervous for tomorrow."

"I know. Brent was really standoffish today. I can't imagine what you're feeling."

"You sound miserable."

"I am." I sighed as his eyes begged me to continue, "My mom, she doesn't like Brent. I guess while I was with you guys earlier, she found my wedding dress."

"Did she get mad?"

"She freaked. She told me to break it off, or she'd practically disown me."

"That's a bit harsh. Can't she see that you love him?"

"You don't know my mom. If she doesn't like something, everyone has to suffer."

"So, what are you going to do?"

I sighed as tears filled my eyes, "I have no idea."

Sidney moved closer to me and slipped his arm around my back. I turned around and buried my head into his chest. The tears were slowly escaping me yet again.

"Ally, I'm sorry. I know I hardly know you, but you deserve to be happy. Everyone does."

I just nodded as he pulled me closer to him. My breathing was becoming calm again and my tears finally stopped, but my heart was aching.

"I'm sorry." I said as I wiped my eyes.

"Don't worry about it. Are you going to be okay for now?"

"I think so." I sighed, "You know I always admired you for your passion of the game, I just never thought one day you'd be a shoulder to cry on."

He gently smirked, "Kinda funny how that works out, eh?"

I nodded as I felt a rumbling in my stomach. I was starving. It was 10 o'clock at night and I hadn't eaten anything except two coffees and one hot chocolate. No wonder my head was pounding.

"Sid. I'm starving, I haven't eaten anything today. Do you wanna join me? If not, it's fine."

"No. I'd love to. Maybe getting out of this fresh air will help me feel sleepy."

We walked back to towards Granville. It was silent, but I think he needed time to think about tomorrow. I just liked the company that he was near. That I wasn't alone right now. I sometimes scare myself when I'm alone.

After walking for another 20 minutes we settled on a small Italian restaurant. The music, the smells, and the warmth made me feel more comfortable. I ordered a mushroom ravioli and a coke to drink and Sid got a vegetarian lasagna and water.

"So, you said you had a girlfriend?"

"Well, kinda. It's complicated."

"I think I can handle it."

"She's my first serious girlfriend I've had since junior. I mean, she's amazing, but she's so hot and cold."

"What do you mean?"

"She has a job in Chicago, out of all places. So she has to go there on weekends, then she comes back to Pittsburgh during the week. But with my schedule sometimes we miss each other if I'm on the road. One week she's all happy then the next she makes it sound like I'm not good enough. She always ends our fights with wanting to just live into Chicago, I just wish I had to the guts to tell her just to stay there cause I'm sick of the shit she bickers about."

"She's crazy. Sid, I'm sorry."

"I've been doing a lot of thinking, since I've been away from my team, and the city, and her. I just think it's time I ended it. I need to finally do it."

I mirrored his sad expression and gently placed my hand over his, "If that's you need to do to get some clarity, than do it. I've been down that road before."

"Oh yeah?"

"I briefly dated Jon, and he let me go. It hurt, but it needed to be done."

He smirked, "I thought you and Jon looked cute together yesterday."

I began to blush. Jon. He wasn't the easiest subject with me. I always felt like a billion butterflies were attacking my stomach and my whole body was shaking when he was around. I had to get rid of that feeling.

Finally our food came and we eat in peace. I was starving and it didn't take me long to polish off my plate. Our eyes locked as I took a much too big gulp of my coke. I had to admit, he had gorgeous eyes. After we finished, he argued with me on who was going to pay. I wanted to cause it was my idea to get food, but he said he would.

As we were getting ready to leave, I saw someone way to familiar sitting on the other side of the restaurant. He sat close to her, his hand was over hers. Her eyes were warm as she smiled up at him. Then I felt like my stomach lurched deeper than it did earlier.

It was Brent.

"I don't fucking believe this." I hissed as I stormed over to the table.

"WHAT THE FUCK IS THIS?"

Brent looked like he saw a ghost as he stared at me, "Shit."

"Who the hell are you?" The girl snapped.

"I asked you first, bitch."

"Well, I'm Danica, you?"

"I'm Ally. I'm Brent's fiancee."

"You're engaged?" Danica snapped as she glared at Brent.

"He was engaged." I finally said.

Brent looked up at me as empathy glazed his eyes, he had this look that made me feel like I shattered his world. I couldn't even cry, I was so angry.

"Ally, don't."

"NO! My mother was right about you. Enjoy your fucking life." I yelled so loud that the entire restaurant stared at me. "And enjoy your fucking medal tomorrow. I'm sure Danica will gladly celebrate with you."

"I'm sorry ..."

"I don't care."

With that, I slid the ring over my finger and threw it at him.

"Fine. Run back to Jonny, like you always did."

"At least Jonny never hurt me like you have."

"Fuck. I don't even care you slut."

"Fuck you."

This time. I was done. I was so done.

Chapter fifty;

Two weeks had flown by since I went to new york to get my wedding dress. Things were going great. Canada was playing the US in the gold medal game. I was nervous since the USA were a powerhouse team and beat Canada in the preliminary round last Sunday. We'll see how this goes.

I was having Coffee with Sharpie in the athletes village as the boys went to a practice. Even though Patrick didn't make Team Canada, he came up to support the team when he found out Canada advanced to the gold medal game.

"Is this game ever gunna get here?"

"I know. It's tomorrow at noon, and it feels like it's miles away. " I sighed.

"I can't imagine how Brent feels."

"I know." I replied as I wrapped my hands around my coffee cup. "He wasn't talkative this morning."

"That's not like him. He never keeps his trap shut."

"That's what I was thinking. I don't think I can deal with seeing him upset if they lose."

"PSH! WE'RE CANADIAN. WE DON'T LOSE GAMES THAT COUNT!"

I chuckled, "Fine. I'll stay positive."

Just then, the boys started to walk into the dining hall. I saw Sidney Crosby walking behind Brent. I just shook it off ... until they walked right up to us.

"Hey. How was practice?" Patrick asked.

"Brutal. I'm starving though. Sid do you want anything?"

"Maybe just some Sushi. My stomachs in knots."

"Sure thing." Brent replies as he walks away and Sid sits right next to me.

"So, Sid. This is Ally. The girl I told you about."

"OH! The photo that I signed?"

"Yep. She's a huge fan."

"Patrick. I'm right here." I muttered.

"Oh adur. Yeah, Sid, she's Brent's fiancee. Don't even try pulling any moves on her. Trust me, I tried."

Sid just laughed smoothly, "It's okay. I have a girlfriend anyway. Nice to finally put a face to the name."

"Same here. Well, I knew what you looked like, but you know. Wow I sound so stupid right now." I stuttered as my face burned up.

Our eyes connected as my heart stopped mid-beat. I looked away quickly and pretended that I was looking for Brent. I could not get the flush in my cheeks to cool down.

Brent finally came back over and him and Sid ate their food as Duncan, Johnny and Chris Pronger joined us. They all started talking about the game tomorrow, to lighten to the tension. I kept silent and just intently walked them talk. It was amazing that they suddenly became the closest of friends, but it wouldn't be that way in the matter of two days.

I went home right after that cause Brent wanted some down time. I was okay with that. He wanted his space to get ready for the game tomorrow. I drove home slowly, and got there in time for the final event of the night. I think it was skiiing. I think.

"Hey, mom, what's ..."

I stopped in my tracks as I saw my mom sitting on the couch with her head in her hands. My dad staring at me with sympathy. I felt my stomach lurch as I looked over onto the other couch to see my wedding dress lying on it.

"Shit."

"HOW COULD YOU KEEP THIS FROM ME?" My mother screamed as she got off the couch and walked towards me.

"MAYBE CAUSE THAT STICK IS SO FAR SHOVED UP YOUR ASS THAT YOU THINK YOUR OPINION IS THE ONLY ONE THAT MATTERS!"

"Alyssa Gabriella Rae Keith. You don't talk to me like that!"

"I'll talk to you however I want to cause I've been bottling it up for far too fucking long."

"I won't let you marry him!"

"You can't stop me! I'll be 23 by the time it happens."

"Well then I guess I'm not your mother than."

I slapped her. I couldn't stand it right now. My rage was boiling up. Who the hell was she to tell me what I couldn't do? And give me an ultimatum like that? That's emotional blackmail.

"WHAT WAS THAT FOR?"

"Maybe it's a fucking wake up call. Mom. I love him, and I want to marry him. He means everything to me."

She furrowed her eyebrows, "what the hell is that in your mouth?"

"Oh that?" I asked as a stuck out my tongue, "That is a tongue ring."

"A what?"

"A tongue ring! How else can I say it, I don't speak no other fucking languages."

"Fuck it then. Marry him, but don't expect me to be there."

"Mom. Don't do that to me."

"You either break it off with him, or I'll do it for you."

chapter fourty-nine;

Maybe it's the words you left unsaid. Maybe it's the stardust in my head. Oh, I just wanna tell you, that my heart is busting at the seams. I can't wait another minute. Life is short, love is sweet. Ain't not time like this time, baby.

"Ally. Don't listen to her. You're perfect for Brent. She's a fucking idiot."

Taylor came back into the room and comforted me while my consultant went to look for dresses. Taylor was right. She had no right telling me it was too soon for me and Brent to get married. I want to marry him, and goddamnit, I will.

"Okay, here's the first one."

She pulled out an ivory colored one, it had no fluff on the bottom, with a violet wrap underneath my chest. I didn't like it already.

"ALRIGHT! ALLY'S HALF NAKED!"

I turned around and stared at my laptop, Sharpie is now sitting beside my brother. They're skyping with me while I tried my dresses on, and Taylor had my Dad on her laptop. 

"OH, great, he's here." I sighed throwing my tank top over my laptop so they couldn't see me. I heard Patrick whine as I got my dress tied up. I hated it.

"No, it's not what I wanted."

I got out of the dress and put on another one, it was strapless, silk, champagne coloured with gems on the corset. Now we're talking.

"That's gorgeous." Taylor whispered.

"Well, Daddy, what do you think?"

"It's alright."

"DOESN'T ANYONE CARE WHAT I THINK?" Patrick yelled.

"Well, what do you think?"

"I hate it."

"Wow thanks."

"I love it though." Duncan casually commented.

"Thank you! Okay this could be a yes."

I looked at the other ones she had. One was too poofy. One was too tight. One was cleavage central, which of course, Patrick loved. Another one felt like I was wearing a fucking bed comforter. I was getting annoyed. I was on dress 10, and I cursed to the sky. This was taking longer than I wanted.

"God, this boring. I can't believe you all have to go through this. With us, we just pick the cheapest tux, and if it looks good, we take it." Patrick said.

"It's different for a girl though." I sighed as I sat in a silk bathrobe while the consultant went looking for more dresses.

"You'll find one, Ally. Just calm down." Patrick calmly replied. I stared at my laptop screen and into his green eyes. I hope he was right.

"Okay, so I did find one, but it's a little over your $7,000 budget"

"How much?"

"$12,000"

"WHAT? I CAN'T BUY IT! I won't let Brent spend that much on me. He said $7,000."

"Try it on, Ally. It's gorgeous!" Taylor exclaimed.

I crawled into the dress and closed my eyes as they tied it up for me. As I flickered my eyes open, I felt tears in my eyes. It was exactly what I wanted.

"Oh my gosh, Alyssa. You look beautiful." My dad gasped as the consultant tucked a veil into my ponytail.

"Yeah, Ally, you look incredible." Patrick said.

"GOD MY SISTER IS GROWING UP AND I HATE IT!" Duncan whined as I laughed.

"I can't get it. It's too much."

"No, it's not." Patrick quickly said.

"What?"

"I'll put something towards it."

"Patrick, I can't let you ..."

"Shut up, I'm paying for $3,000 of it."

"I'll put $3,000 towards it too." Duncan added.

"I'll put $2,500 towards it. It's for your wedding after all." My dad said.

"Wow, you guys. Thank you." I replied as I started to cry.

"It's gorgeous." Taylor said as her own tears filled her eyes.

"So this is it?" The consultant said.

"Yes it is! I mean, you only get married once."

"That's not true!"

"SHARPIE! SHUT THE HELL UP!"

Here's the dress!